EastEnders star Rita Simons, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell, has announced she will undergo a breast reduction in three weeks to help manage the pain caused by scoliosis. The 49-year-old actress shared the news with her followers on Instagram on Sunday, alongside a photo of her spine X-ray and a video.
Simons revealed she is also giving up vaping ahead of the surgery, describing it as “a rancid habit”. She said: “It’s finally time to say goodbye to my massively annoying boobs. The pain they cause my back just isn’t necessary anymore.” The actress explained that this chapter of her life involves “getting rid of everything that doesn’t serve me… the womb, the alcohol, the sugar, the fags/vape… so let’s do the boobs too. The boobs definitely do not serve me.”
Discussing her scoliosis, Simons noted she is not a candidate for spinal surgery due to the particular condition of her back. “My spine can’t be ‘fixed’, so my focus is on doing everything I can to reduce pain and slow the progression of the curves. They’ll never be cured — so we work with what we’ve got,” she wrote. She also expressed hope that the reduction would eliminate her “rib hump at the back and the two mountains at the front”.
The actress emphasised that “adult scoliosis isn’t talked about enough” and promised to keep her followers posted throughout the process. Fans responded with support, with one saying: “I had mine out in October best decision I’ve ever made!” and another adding: “I had no idea you had scoliosis! I too have scoliosis, and I’ve struggled to find anyone to relate to! Sending you so much love!”
Simons played Roxy Mitchell on BBC’s EastEnders from 2007 to 2017, with brief returns in 2019 and 2023. She later appeared in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks as Marie Fielding.
